The New York Mets may be in the running for a return to the MLB postseason, after a productive MLB free agency offseason.
You better watch your back New York Yankees; the New York Mets are coming after you for the 2018 MLB free agency crown. Okay, maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves, but the Mets had a fantastic offseason. Even though Todd Frazier, Jay Bruce, and Adrian Gonzalez are all approaching the back-end of their careers, adding a bit of pop and a veteran presence in their squad will pay dividends in September and into October.
If Yoenis Cespedes can stay healthy, he will once again be in the National League MVP conversation. Their lineup also gets a boost in May, with slugger Michael Conforto projected to return in May from injury. Also, Jason Vargas adds depth to an already stout pitching rotation — with the big three of Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Matt Harvey.
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Subtley, the Mets have put together a wild card worthy squad for 2018:
New York Mets Projected Starters Position by Position
- Catcher: Travis d’Arnaud
- First base: Platoon of Dominic Smith/Adrian Gonzalez
- Second base: Asdrubal Cabrera
- Third base: Todd Frazier
- Shortstop: Amed Rosario
- Left field: Yoenis Cespedes
- Center field: Juan Lagares
- Right field: Jay Bruce
Projected Starting Pitching rotation
- Jacob deGrom, RHP
- Noah Syndergaard, RHP
- Matt Harvey, RHP
- Jason Vargas, RHP
- Steven Matz, LHP
Even with a beefed-up starting lineup, if the Mets are going to be a serious playoff contender in 2018, their starting pitching must return to elite form. A question mark is the backend of their bullpen, with Jeurys Familia likely out as Mets closer — with AJ Ramos and Anthony Swarzak next in line to take the job.
Maybe a late season call up of Tim Tebow will give the Mets a boost, not necessarily from a performance standpoint, but regarding work ethic, energy, and true grit. Granted, that may backfire, with the media circus that follows him. Nevertheless, their current roster has enough potential to snag one of the two NL wild card slots.
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The New York Mets didn’t land a “sexy” MLB free agency name but got much bang for their buck — value shopping at its finest. Take a moment and give the front office a round of applause for a job well done. They’ve earned it!